Sanders Slams Biden: Hunter Pardon ‘A Dangerous Precedent’

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Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has made waves with his pointed critique of President Joe Biden’s decision earlier this month to grant a sweeping pardon to his son, Hunter Biden. During a candid interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, Sanders expressed deep concern over the implications of the controversial pardon, calling it a move that sets a “dangerous precedent” for future administrations.

The pardon, issued on December 1, goes far beyond Hunter Biden’s recent legal troubles. It not only erases his tax and gun convictions but also grants immunity for any federal offenses committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.

This extraordinary breadth of clemency has sparked bipartisan unease. Many worry it opens the door for future presidents to wield the pardon power in similarly sweeping and politically fraught ways.

Sanders acknowledged the personal dimension of the decision, noting that Biden’s role as a father likely influenced the move. Still, he emphasized that the president’s reversal of his earlier commitment to let the justice system take its course was a mistake.

“I said I’d abide by the jury decision,” Biden had told ABC News’ David Muir. “And I will do that. And I will not pardon him.” The president’s change of heart not only undermined his prior pledge but also fueled criticism that the pardon was an act of political favoritism.

The implications of Biden’s actions extend far beyond Hunter’s case. Democratic insiders are reportedly concerned that the pardon could weaken the party’s moral standing in future debates. For example, should President-elect Donald Trump issue similar pardons to his allies or those tied to January 6, Democrats may find it harder to criticize such moves.

Sanders warned that the expansive nature of the Hunter Biden pardon could have lasting consequences. “It’s a very wide-open pardon,” he said, “which could under different circumstances lead to problems in terms of future presidents.” His remarks reflect growing anxiety about how this precedent could reshape the norms around presidential clemency.

When asked about speculation that Biden might consider pre-emptive pardons for individuals tied to the January 6th Committee, Sanders struck a cautious tone. “I think he might want to consider that very seriously,” he said, underscoring the delicate balance between justice, precedent, and political strategy.

This episode underscores the tension between personal loyalty and the broader responsibilities of presidential leadership. As the debate over Hunter Biden’s pardon continues to unfold, its impact on both current and future administrations remains a critical question.

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